Apparatus for preventing electrical shock in devices
A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use.
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The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/200,591 filed Aug. 28, 2008, entitled “Apparatus for Preventing Electrical Shock in Devices”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. The Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to preventing users from receiving electrical shocks from operating medical devices. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for preventing electrical shock or reducing a risk of electrical shock from devices that analyze analytes.
2. The Relevant Technology
Diabetes is a disease that afflicts many people. Fortunately, much has been learned about the disease and today, diabetes can often be managed quite successfully. Managing diabetes often includes attention to both diet and exercise. It is also advisable to monitor blood glucose levels. Blood glucose levels can provide valuable information that contributes to the effective management of diabetes.
Monitoring blood glucose levels can be performed several times a day. Each time, a user typically draws a small sample of blood that is placed on a test strip. A measuring device analyzes the blood sample and provides a measurement of the person's blood glucose level from the blood sample.
In order to monitor or measure the glucose level of the blood sample, the measurement device may provide an electrical interface (e.g. port) that is constructed to receive a test strip and electrically connect with the test strip. This electrical interface is often exposed to the environment, including to the user of the measurement device. Similarly, the measurement device may have other electrical interfaces that may be used to connect the measurement device to a computer or to recharge an internal battery.
Measurement devices that allow access to electrical circuits can, in some situations, give a user an electrical shock if the user closes the circuit. More specifically, the electrical circuits of various measurement devices that are accessible via the port used to receive a test strip may be electrically connected to the port used to link or connect the measurement device to a computer or to recharge an internal battery.
For safety reasons, it is sometimes necessary to prevent the measurement device from being electrically connected to external equipment such as a computer or power supply when the measurement device is in contact with the user's body. The proximity of these electrical interfaces and their use can result in harm to the device and/or to the user. For example, the user of a measurement device may receive an electrical shock from the device if a circuit is inadvertently closed by the user. This could potentially occur, for example, when a user performs a finger stick test while the device is recharging or uploading data to a computer. In other words, current can flow to or from the external device through the person when they are “connected” to the measurement device.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThese and other limitations are overcome by embodiments of the invention, which relate to preventing electrical shock in devices including devices used to analyze analytes. Embodiments of the invention include physical barriers that prevent more than one electrical interface or port from being used at the same time. A physical barrier is configured to effectively cover one port such that the covered port cannot come into contact with the environment including the user while the other port is in use.
In an embodiment, the measurement device prevents electrical shocks related to use of ports on the measurement device and includes an enclosure that is formed in one end of the device's case or housing. The ports of the device are typically accessible through the enclosure. A shutter is disposed within the enclosure and is moveable within the enclosure to selectively cover one of the ports.
In certain embodiments, the measurement device includes a first port configured to receive a test strip and a second port configured to connect with a power source or a computer via a cable. An analyte disposed on the test strip is analyzed via the strip port and data is uploaded/downloaded via the second port or the internal battery can be charged through the second port. In this example, a shutter is connected to or integrated with the device and configured to move at least between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first port is physically covered and in the second position, the second port is physically covered. In other words, the shutter can provide a physical barrier to at least one of the ports while the other port is used. In a certain embodiment, the shutter may also be placed in a position such that access to both ports is simultaneously barred by the shutter.
In other embodiments, the apparatus for preventing shock from a measurement device includes a cable configured to connect the measurement device with a computer or a power source to recharge the internal battery. A connector on an end of the cable is configured to interface with a computer port of the measurement device. The device also includes a barrier disposed around the connector. The barrier may define a cavity with a perimeter that substantially matches a corresponding perimeter or outline of the measurement device. When connected with the measurement device, an end of the measurement device occupies the cavity when the connector is inserted into the port. Also, the barrier prevents access to a strip port of the device when the connector is inserted into the computer port.
These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Measurement devices are often used to provide analysis of various types of analytes. Self monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, for example, are examples of measurement devices that are often employed to measure the blood glucose level of a user from a small sample of blood. The information obtained from the analysis of the user's blood sample or from a history of blood glucose measurements can be used to diagnose, treat, or control diseases such as diabetes. Tracking the blood glucose level of a user over time, for example, can provide insight into the progression of diabetes, the effectiveness of the treatment received, and the like. Changes in the results of the analysis performed by the measurement device can allow the user's treatment to be altered accordingly.
To make this process easier, many measurement devices have the ability to interface with a computer such that the results of the analysis can be automatically recorded and stored on the computer. In addition to utilizing a port to interface with a computer to record and store results, the port can be used to recharge the internal battery of the device.
In order to perform these functions, the measurement device often has circuitry that is used to perform the analysis of the analyte, circuitry to interface with the computer to upload the results of the analysis, and circuitry to recharge the internal battery. Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for preventing a user from being electrically shocked while these functions, among others, are performed. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods including physical barriers that cover or block access to electrical interfaces to prevent a user from electrical shock while using the measurement device. The physical barrier may be movable such that certain interfaces can be exposed for use while other interfaces are covered to prevent or minimize, among other things, electrical shock.
Embodiments of the invention include shutters that act as physical barriers to the ports of the device. For example, the shutter may block access to one port while allowing access to another port. The shutter can also be configured to block access to more than one port at a time, such as, for example, when the device is not being used to measure blood glucose level or connected to another device. A shutter that is configured to cover more than one port in a particular position has the additional benefit of protecting both ports from environmental factors including, but not limited to, dust and water at the same time. In this configuration, the shutter can be moved to uncover a particular port while the other port remains covered.
In addition, the strips or connectors can be configured to interface with a given port in a manner that blocks access to one port while accessing another port. For example, the plug of a connector may be configured to physically block access to one port while electrically interfacing with another port. In another embodiment, the device may include a single port that is mechanically and/or electrically configured to interface with both a test strip and a power connector or computer cable.
The risk of electrical shock, as indicated above, partially stems from the external accessibility of the device's electrical interfaces. A measurement device may include, for instance, a port for receiving test strips and a port for connecting or linking to a computer or receiving power form an external power source. These electrical interfaces are often exposed to the environment and are often in contact with a user. To prevent electrical shock or minimize the risk of electrical shock, the measurement device may include a physical barrier configured to prevent physical contact with at least one of the ports while another port is in use. A physical barrier prevents contact with the port, thereby ensuring that the physically isolated port is not a source or part of the conduction path of an electrical shock.
Embodiments of the invention may include a shutter arrangement that provides a physical barrier. Because a measurement device may be manufactured using a wide variety of different form factors, the shutter arrangement disclosed herein can take various forms and can be adapted to the form factor of the specific device and the locations of the electrical interfaces. One of skill in the art, with the benefit of the present disclosure, can appreciate the applicability of the invention to various form factors of measurement devices.
Embodiments of the shutter arrangement or physical barrier can be integrated with the measurement device and can be manually and/or automatically operated. In some embodiments, the physical barrier can be integrated into a separate device, such as the cable that connects the measurement device with the computer or exterior power source. In general, however, the physical barrier may be configured to physically prevent access to at least one electrical interface. Alternatively, the physical barrier may enable access or physical contact to only one electrical interface at a time. Advantageously, the shutter arrangement or physical barrier is more effective than conventional software solutions, which still have a risk of electrical shock because the user may only be given a visual warning of a potential electrical shock.
As described herein, the physical barrier may prevent simultaneous access to multiple electrical interfaces. By providing a physical barrier, electrical shock can be eliminated. Alternatively, the risk of electrical shock can be reduced by physically barring access to at least one electrical interface. The barrier can also be configured to block access to all ports in a default position until it is moved to allow access to one (and only one) port for immediate use in one embodiment.
The device 100 may include one or more electrical interfaces. A port 106, is one example of an electrical interface. The port 106 may be configured to receive a test strip 150 and electrically connect with the test strip 150. Typically, the test strip 150 is inserted into the port 106 and then loaded with an adequate blood sample. Once the test strip 150 is properly inserted in the port 106 and a blood sample is properly transferred to the test strip 150, the device 100 measures the blood glucose level in the blood sample and displays the result on the display 102.
The device 100 may also include a second electrical interface, which is illustrated as a computer port 108 in
As previously mentioned, the location and configuration of the shutter 110 may depend on the form factor of the device 100. Thus, the shutter 110 can be located on or be configured to adapt to one or more surfaces or sides of the device 100. In this example, the shutter 110 is located on the side surface of the device 100. When the shutter 110 moves from covering the port 108 to covering the port 106, the shutter 110 adapts according to the form factor of the device 100. In
Advantageously, the corner of the device 100 can aid in retaining the shutter 110 in either the first or second position as some force may be needed to slide the shutter 110 from one position to another position. In addition, the operation of the shutter 110 can be manual, automatic, or partially automatic. For example, a user may manually move the shutter 110 from the first position to the second position. In another embodiment, the insertion of a cable into the port 108 may cause the shutter 110 to automatically move to cover or block the port 106
In
In
The rails 116 and 118 may be a single rail system or a dual rail system. In a single rail system, the shutter 110 is held within the enclosure 124 between the rails 116, 118 and the surface 146 of the device 100. The track in this example is formed by the surface 146 and the rails 116 and 118. In this example, the surface may be used, via friction, to hold the shutter in any particular position. In a certain embodiment, an end the enclosure 124 may be configured to form an interference fit with the shutter 110 when the shutter 110 is in specific positions. For example, an interference fit may be used to keep the shutter 110 in a default position.
In one example of a dual rail system, the engagement portion 138 of the shutter 110 is held by the rails 116 and 118. In other words, a portion of the rail 116 and 118 is between the shutter 110 and the surface 146. In this example, a dual rail system may hold the shutter 110 is a particular position relative to the ports 106 and 108. In this example, the rails 116 and 118 can hold the shutter 110 a short distance away from the surface 146 such that the ports 106 and 108 do not interfere or inhibit movement of the shutter 110 between the various positions as it slides within the enclosure 124.
The housing or case 136 of the device 100 may be molded plastic, metal, or other suitable material or any combination thereof. The mold or machinery used for form the case 136 may be set to create the enclosure 124 and may be formed, by way of example only, in two halves that are joined during manufacture. The shutter 110 may be placed in the enclosure 124 before the two halves of the case are connected together. Alternatively, the shutter 110 may have sufficient flexibility to permit the shutter 110 to be installed in the enclosure 124 after the case 136 is formed.
In this example, the end of the case 136 extends out laterally from the top and bottom surfaces to form the enclosure 124. In one embodiment, the enclosure 124 may not occupy an entire end of the device 100. In this example, the surface 132 is formed such that the surface 132 smoothly transitions to the outer surfaces of the rails 116 and 118. In one example, the exterior surface 132 of the end of the device 100 includes the rails 116 and 118.
The enclosure 124 may be formed by the surface 120 and the rails 116 and 118. The enclosure 124 is then bounded by the surface 146 that is inset relative to the surface 132. The rails 116 and 118 may have a height that is sufficient to retain the shutter 110 inside the enclosure 124 or inside the track formed by the rails 116 and 118 while permitting access to the shutter 110 through the opening 126. The opening 126 between the rails 116 and 118 is sufficient to allow a user to slide the shutter 110 back and forth with a finger, for example. The opening 126 is also sized and configured to allow the test strips to be inserted into the port 106 and to allow a cable to be inserted into the port 108 easily. The opening 126 has dimensions that allow the test strips and/or cable connector to be inserted into the corresponding interfaces. Optionally, the shutter 110 may have a handle (e.g., the handle 112 shown in
In addition, the enclosure 124 and shutter 110 may have a configuration to ensure that one of the ports remains covered during use or to insure that access to at least one port is barred or to prevent electrical contact with the covered port. For instance, the insertion of a cable into the port 108 may constrict the lateral movement of the shutter 110 within the enclosure 124 such that the port 106 remains covered. In other words, the cable may act as a stop that prevents or limits lateral movement of the shutter 110 such that the port 106 remains covered or blocked as long as the cable is connected with the port 108. Similarly, a test strip 150 inserted into the strip port 106 may also act as a stop to prevent the port 108 from being uncovered.
Alternatively, the shutter 110 may have a friction fit inside the enclosure 124 that holds the shutter in a particular position yet allows a user to move the shutter 110 as needed from one position to another position. For example, the end portions 114 of the enclosure 124 may be narrower than a thickness of the shutter 110 or have about the same thickness of the shutter 110. As the shutter 110 is moved into a particular position, the friction between the end portion of the enclosure 124 and the shutter 110 may hold the shutter in a particular position. The shutter 110 thus forms a physical barrier that permits access to only one of the ports 106 and 108 at a time and prevents electrical shock.
The orientation of the shutter 110 or other physical barrier can vary according to the placement of the ports 106 and 108 on a given device 100. As a result, the shutter 110 may move side-to-side or up-and-down relative to the ports. As previously mentioned, the shutter 110 may move from one side or surface of the device to another side or surface of the device. The structure of the enclosure 124 can be adapted such that the shutter 110 can be moved to cover or electrically block at least one port. In situations where the ports are not on the same side of the device or not in the same surface planes (e.g., as illustrated in
In a certain embodiment illustrated in
Movement of the shutter 110 to cover the port 106, as illustrated in
One of skill in the art, with the benefit of the present disclosure, can appreciate that the bias mechanism 134 can be configured in different arrangements to keep shutter 110 is a default position. For example, the shutter 110 and ports 106 and 108 can be designed so that the shutter 110 would cover both of the ports 106 and 108 in its resting or default position. The shutter 110 can be moved to allow access to either 106 or 108 (but not both) at the desired time. This arrangement could offer a higher degree of protection against dust and moisture ingress as both ports would be covered unless actively in use.
The shutter 160 also includes clamps 140 that hold the shutter 160 on the end of the device 100. The clamps 140 may be shaped to follow the contours or outline of the device 100. The clamps 140 may come into contact with the device 100. Thus, the clamps 140 may be curved for a curved device form factor, square for a square device form factor, and the like. This allows the shutter 160 to have a small footprint while resting flush against the external surface of the device and be able to slide along the surface 132 of the device 100. When a cable is inserted into the port 108, the cable may act as a stop to prevent the port 106 from being uncovered. A stop 142 (e.g., the end of the groove) may be formed on both sides of the device 100 to retain the shutter 160 inside the grooves 144. As a result, the stop 144 and the cable may restrict lateral movement of the shutter 110 when access to port 106 is required. Similarly, a test strip and the stop 142 may also act to restrict lateral movement of the shutter when access to port 108 is needed. At the same time, the shutter 160 prevents physical access or contact to the port not in use. Although the ports 108 and 106 are illustrated as being inset from the surface 132 of the device 100, one of skill in the art can appreciate that the port 106 and 108 may be flush with the surface 132 of the device 100.
In
The barrier 206 can take a plurality of different configuration that are adapted to the form factor of the device 200. In general, the physical barrier may include a port cover that covers at least the strip port when the connector 216 is inserted into a corresponding port on the device 200. In this example, the body 214 forms a cradle or shroud that covers an end portion of the device 200, including the strip port and other ports of the device 200, when the connector 216 is inserted into a corresponding port on the device 200, as shown in
The physical barrier to the strip port may be achieved by forming the body 214 to conform with the form factor of the device 200. In this example and as illustrated in
When the interface 302 includes both the port 306 and the port 308, the cable 310 illustrated in
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims
1. A glucose monitoring system comprising:
- a continuous glucose monitoring device comprising a housing having an end portion and two electrical interface ports on the end portion of the housing; and
- a cable to connect to a first of the two ports of the device, the cable comprising a shroud having a cavity; wherein connection of the cable to the first of the two ports of the device blocks the second of the two ports of the device, and wherein the shroud covers the end portion of the housing when the cable is connected to the first of the two ports of the device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first of the two ports and the second of the two ports are relatively positioned such that the connection of the cable to the first of the two ports blocks the second of the two ports.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the connection of the cable to the first of the two ports of the device blocks access of a test strip to the second of the two ports.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the cable comprises a connector to connect to the first of the two ports of the device.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the shroud is configured to cover the second of the two ports when the cable is connected to the device and the connector is connected to the first of the two ports.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the shroud includes a raised barrier portion.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the two ports comprises a computer port.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the two ports comprises a power source port.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the two ports comprises a test strip port.
10. The system of claim 4, wherein the shroud includes a plug configured to block the second of the two ports of the device when the connector is connected to the first of the two ports.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the plug extends laterally from the connector.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the continuous glucose monitoring device includes a rechargeable battery.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein one of the two ports comprises a recharging port to recharge the battery.
14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a computer to recharge the battery when the device is connected to the computer via the recharging port.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Jun 1, 2010
Date of Patent: Nov 29, 2011
Patent Publication Number: 20100255566
Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. (Alameda, CA)
Inventors: Daniel M. Bernstein (El Granada, CA), R. Curtis Jennewine (San Francisco, CA), Charlene A. Haley (LaBalle, FL)
Primary Examiner: Tho D Ta
Attorney: Jackson & Co., LLP
Application Number: 12/791,855
International Classification: H01R 13/44 (20060101);